Aerospace & Defense Exporter Alert, Aug. 2026

Copy Link

Executive Summary

The United States and India have a long and successful history of space cooperation, beginning with India’s first rocket launch—an American-made Nike-Apache—in 1963. This partnership has since grown through scientific exchanges, joint working groups, and collaborative projects. In July 2025, India’s second astronaut to space traveled to the International Space Station on a joint U.S.-India mission. NASA and U.S. businesses have a longstanding relationship with the Indian space agency, ISRO, supplying technology and components, while emerging Indian space start-ups seek to expand operations and manufacturing in the United States.  In February 2026, the Business Council for International Understanding led a successful ITA-certified U.S. commercial space mission to Bengaluru and New Delhi to advance U.S. space industry interests in the India commercial space sector. 

India is one of only a few countries in the world with an advanced space program and has seen rapid growth in the sector over the last several years. On August 23, 2023, India successfully landed a spacecraft on the Moon, becoming the fourth country in the world achieve this feat, creating history as the first to land near the Moon’s south pole. In May 2020, the Indian government announced that it would allow the Indian private sector to participate in its space programs.

India continued to make changes in the commercial space sector following reforms announced in 2020.  In April 2023, India released The Indian Space Policy that provided a regulatory framework for space activities in the country.  In February 2024, more changes followed to relax restrictions for foreign direct investment (FDI) or ownership approvals for the emerging private space industry in the country.  

India’s share of the global space market currently stands at less than two percent but is forecasted to reach ten percent within the next five to seven years. India’s private sector space ecosystem is developing rapidly, and the Indian government’s steps towards privatization will create opportunities for international space companies as well. 

Space is a major area of U.S.-India cooperation, benefiting both countries through commerce, technology, and joint policy efforts. The U.S-India commercial space relationship continues to grow under the frameworks of the U.S.-India Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG). Recent developments have further strengthened space cooperation between the U.S. and India, including the TRUST initiative, launched in 2025, along with the establishment of the Commercial Space sub working group in 2023 within the U.S.-India CSJWG to expand commercial engagement and private sector collaboration.  

Additionally, the February 2025 Joint Leaders’ statement highlighted plans for greater cooperation in space exploration, safety, professional exchanges, and industry partnerships in connectivity, advanced spaceflight, satellite systems, and space manufacturing.  The Commercial Space sub-working group, co-led by the U.S. Department of Commerce and India’s Department of Space, seeks to remove barriers and expand opportunities for U.S. an Indian space companies in market access, procurement, FDI, and export controls.

Upcoming 2026 Events in India: 

For companies seeking in-person opportunities to enter the Indian market, and meet with India’s space industry leaders and key policymakers, there are several upcoming events of interest:  

• Bengaluru Space Expo 2026 (Bangalore, India)
  September 7-9, 2026 – 9th
  The three-day event will feature an International Conference and Exhibition titled “Harnessing Space for Global Progress: Innovation, Policy, and Growth”. The exhibit portion will provide an opportunity to Indian and international companies to showcase their capabilities.  Please reach out to the U.S. Commercial Service team in India (contacts below) as soon as possible for participation opportunities. 
  https://bsxindia.com  
   
• Aero India 2027 (Bangalore, India)
  February 2027 (Date TBC)
  https://www.kallman.com/show/aero-india-2027/
   

The U.S. Commercial Service is located in U.S. Embassies & Consulates worldwide and major U.S. cities across the country.  Contact us to learn more about how we can assist your export business. U.S. companies interested in the Indian space sector can connect with the U.S. Commercial Service team in India for more information on upcoming events and activities.    
 

Contact Information

Carey Arun, Principal Commercial Officer
U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate – Chennai, India
Email: Carey.Arun@trade.gov 

Manjushree Phookan, Office Director & Senior Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service – Bengaluru (aka Bangalore)
Email: Manjushree.Phookan@trade.gov  
 

Copy Link

In an exclusive preview of America’s new arms sale policies, a key Commerce official says the department is ready to “help US companies” in foreign markets.
Read the full article at  Breaking Defense